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Aerospace Engineers

Architecture and Engineering (17-2011)
Bright Outlook

Perform engineering duties in designing, constructing, and testing aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. May conduct basic and applied research to evaluate adaptability of materials and equipment to aircraft design and manufacture. May recommend improvements in testing equipment and techniques.

At a Glance

Aerospace Engineers earns a median of $134,830/yr with +6.1% projected growth. Typical entry: Bachelor's degree. Top skills: Dependability, Working with Computers, Engineering and Technology.

Median Annual Wage

$134,830/yr

Projected Growth (2024-34)

+6.1%

Annual Openings

5

Typical Education

Bachelor's degree

Skills & Requirements

Skills (19)

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

4.1
Science

Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

4.0
Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

4.0
Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

3.9
Operations Analysis

Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.

3.9
Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

3.9
Mathematics

Using mathematics to solve problems.

3.9
Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

3.9
Complex Problem Solving

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

3.9
Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

3.8
Judgment and Decision Making

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

3.8
Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

3.6
Systems Evaluation

Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.

3.5
Systems Analysis

Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.

3.4
Learning Strategies

Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

3.4
Time Management

Managing one's own time and the time of others.

3.3
Coordination

Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

3.3
Quality Control Analysis

Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

3.3
Technology Design

Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.

3.3

Knowledge (8)

Engineering and Technology

Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

4.8
Mathematics

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

4.3
Design

Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

4.1
Physics

Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.

4.0
Computers and Electronics

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

3.9
English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

3.8
Mechanical

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

3.4
Production and Processing

Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

3.3

Abilities (17)

Written Comprehension

The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

4.1
Information Ordering

The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

4.0
Problem Sensitivity

The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

4.0
Deductive Reasoning

The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

4.0
Inductive Reasoning

The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

4.0
Oral Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

3.9
Oral Comprehension

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

3.9
Mathematical Reasoning

The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.

3.9
Written Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

3.9
Near Vision

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

3.8
Speech Clarity

The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

3.6
Fluency of Ideas

The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).

3.5
Category Flexibility

The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

3.5
Speech Recognition

The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

3.4
Number Facility

The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.

3.4
Originality

The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.

3.4
Visualization

The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.

3.3

Technology (25)

Microsoft Access

Category: Data base user interface and query software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Excel

Category: Spreadsheet software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Office software

Category: Office suite software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
C

Category: Development environment software | Hot Technology

4.5
Autodesk AutoCAD

Category: Computer aided design CAD software | Hot Technology

4.5
UNIX

Category: Operating system software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Outlook

Category: Electronic mail software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft PowerPoint

Category: Presentation software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Extensible markup language XML

Category: Enterprise application integration software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Word

Category: Word processing software | Hot Technology

4.5
Shell script

Category: Operating system software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Project

Category: Project management software | Hot Technology

4.5
SAP software

Category: Enterprise resource planning ERP software | Hot Technology

4.5
Python

Category: Object or component oriented development software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Visio

Category: Process mapping and design software | Hot Technology

4.5
Perl

Category: Object or component oriented development software | Hot Technology

4.5
The MathWorks MATLAB

Category: Analytical or scientific software | Hot Technology

4.5
Linux

Category: Operating system software | Hot Technology

4.5
Dassault Systemes SolidWorks

Category: Computer aided design CAD software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Visual Basic

Category: Development environment software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Visual Studio

Category: Development environment software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Windows

Category: Operating system software | Hot Technology

4.5
Oracle Java

Category: Object or component oriented development software | Hot Technology

4.5
Dassault Systemes CATIA

Category: Computer aided design CAD software

4.0
MathWorks Simulink

Category: Analytical or scientific software

4.0

Work Activities (22)

Working with Computers

Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

4.9
Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

4.5
Analyzing Data or Information

Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

4.5
Processing Information

Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

4.5
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

4.4
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

4.4
Getting Information

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

4.4
Thinking Creatively

Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

4.3
Documenting/Recording Information

Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

4.3
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

4.3
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

4.0
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

4.0
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others

Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

4.0
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People

Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

3.8
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships

Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

3.6
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards

Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

3.6
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment

Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.

3.5
Training and Teaching Others

Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

3.5
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others

Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

3.5
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

3.4
Communicating with People Outside the Organization

Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

3.4
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information

Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

3.3

Work Styles (3)

Dependability

A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.

5.0
Attention to Detail

A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.

4.3
Integrity

A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.

3.6

Careers with Overlapping Skills

These occupations share the most skills. A career transition between them means many of your skills transfer directly.

Explore Key Skills

Frequently Asked Questions

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